Mint 9 features new software manager, backup tool

The Linux Mint team has released a development RC version of Linux Mint 9 (“Isadora”), based on Ubuntu 10.04. Linux Mint 9 features a new software manager with 30,000 packages, a new backup tool that restores previous software selections, and various menu improvements, says the team.

The Isadora RC (release candidate) follows up on Linux Mint 8 (“Helena”), which released a RC1 GNOME version in November, and a final KDE release in early February. Based on Ubuntu 9.10 (“Karmic Koala”), Linux Mint 8 added improvements such as new OEM installation features, an option to ignore updates, and “menu places” that can be configured by users.